Illinois Gaming Board Makes Decision

The Illinois Gaming Board has made a decision on where the 10th gambling permit would be awarded. It will go to Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. and the slot machine casino will be located in Rosemont. The license was held by Emerald Casino, Inc., but as they are now bankrupt the slot machine license was to be awarded to another company.

Many criticized the decision, some wanting it in another location – while others simply did not want Isle of Capri to get the license. The sale of the slot machine license must be approved by a bankruptcy judge and the company must be fully investigated before it will be awarded.

The company is purchasing the license for £518 million, and the panel voted almost unanimously for them to get it. The board said that if, in the investigatory process, they find anything to discredit the company they will not be awarded the license. Many are more concerned with the ties of the current mayor, Don Stephens, of Rosemont who allegedly has ties to the mob.

Stephens denies the claims, but others say that with the awarding of the slot machine license they are looking at probable litigation. However, officials say that the money from the slot machine casino will be shared with neighboring communities to the tune of millions of dollars.

They say that it is up to the Gaming Board to decide if any of the allegations are true, and that it is legally handled. The Isle of Capri, for their part, say that while elated that they were chosen to receive the license, they do not as of yet know when they will open.

 

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